even three got into each, and those who could not get accommodation
in that way were glad to throw themselves on the floor, as near to a
great stove, which burned hot and red, as possible.

It would have fared very badly with Cecile and Maurice were it not
for the woman who noticed them at the door. But as they were looking
round bewildered, and Toby was softly licking Cecile's hand, the
little girl felt a touch from this woman.

"I ha' my own bed laid ready in this corner, and you are both
welcome to share it, my little dears."

"Oh! they may come with me. I has my corner put by too," said the
red-faced girl, who also came up.

"Please, ma'am, we'll choose your bed, if Toby may sleep with us,"
said Cecile, raising her eyes, and instinctively selecting the right
company.

The woman gave a faint, sad smile, the girl turned scowling away,
and the next moment Maurice found himself curled up in the most
comfortable corner of the room. He was no longer cold, and hard as
his bed was, he was too tired to be particular, and in a moment he
and Toby were both sound asleep.

But Cecile did not sleep. Weary as she was, the foul air, the fouler
language, smote painfully on her ears. The heat, too, soon became
almost unbearable, and very soon the poor child found herself wishing
for the cold streets in preference to such a night's lodging.